2026 NMRA National Train Show

[NEMMRRC]

Petroleum has been a lot in the news lately. Where would we be without it?! It doesn't just power a great deal of what moves in the world. There would be a lot less plastic models without petroleum.

There was plenty of Texas tea, black gold on the world record setting 2026 NMRA National Train Show T-Track modular layout. Here are a few shots of it.



















I fondly remember $2.19/gal unleaded. Heck, I remember when it was 99¢/gal. Sometimes it is nice to have a good memory. However, there are times it can be a tad depressing 

[NEMMRRC]

We all strive to model real life on our layouts. dioramas and stand-alone models. It helps the viewer to recognize something familiar in order to say "We have one of those back home!".

The 2026 NMRA National Train Show world record setting T-Trak modular layout had plenty of make believe. But, it also had lots of stuff we see every day of our lives. We often don't realize the scale/size of what we see every day until it is placed in some sort of entire context. You need some perspective. Not just actual visual perspective but logical, emotional and spiritual perspective to help ground us.

Here is a taste of real life on this giant of a layout.





















Waffle House gets more and more notorious every day.

[NEMMRRC]

Some models on the 2026 NMRA National Train Show world record setting T-Trak modular layout featured scenes the modeler wanted the viewer to notice. Some were built to pay respects to something of value to the modeler. Others were just meant to leave an impression on the viewer.

Here is a small sample of stuff that caught my attention for some reason or other. I don't photograph every module on modular layouts. I only photograph what I feel will look good, I want to remember later, and leaves an impression on me. I don't always remember why the scene made an impression on me  It's good enough for me to just have a remembrance....

By the way, it's been something like 2 or 3 years since I last hauled my DSLR to these shows. My neck got tired of carrying a full size dedicated camera and these phone cameras have gotten so good I don't bother carrying around all that extra weight.







You often see similar signs at car shows. Had I built that module the sign would have read "If you want to touch something, go to a car show." 



You have to admit this one above was enterprising.



This one above was really clever. The N scale trains are a garden railroad for the little people on the module. You can see a "staging yard" along the wall.





There is always that one guy just loafing around while others put in a hard day's work.



We take BBQ seriously in my neck of the woods.





Now I know what the paparazzi feel like    I saw Pelle at one of the booths doing an interview. I trust his convention experience was favorable as he traveled quite a ways for it.

[NEMMRRC]

Rural America is great. We moved "out in the country" about 8 yers ago and we love it. It's peaceful and there is very little drama. Every now and then a cow or horse gets loose from a neighbor's farm and someone has to rescue it. The last traffic jam I got stuck in out here was when I was following a school bus.

The 2026 NMRA National Train Show world record setting T-Trak modular layout did not leave out rural scenes. I'm glad of it. Rolling hills and sweeping meadows make for good photos. 



















This one above is also a sample of model railroaders having multiple hobbies.

[NEMMRRC]

Main Street USA makes for picturesque scenes. 209 million people live in small town USA (<50,000 residents per town). There are 128 million people living in towns with a population greater than 50,000 residents. It is likely you or your parents grew up in Main Street USA.

Main Street USA was thriving on the 2026 NMRA National Train Show world record setting T-Trak modular layout. Here is a small taste of that.







This one above was a German module but you get the point    There is a Germantown in many parts of the USA. Why there is one only 15 miles from where I live.





By the way, those fireworks above were dynamic. I did not make a video of it. Use your imagination.









Leaves one hungry for some ice cream served from a drug store soda counter or perhaps a frosty root beer float.

[NEMMRRC]

You don't necessarily have to attend a clinic at these shows to learn something. Sometimes, the modeler offers a tutorial right on the module. Word to the wise is sufficient I was told growing up.

At the 2026 NMRA National Train Show, the world record setting T-Trak modular layout offered some tutorials right on the display's tables. Some modelers enjoy sharing their techniques.

[NEMMRRC]

Railroads keep industry moving.

There was plenty of industrial action on the world record setting T-Trak modular layout at the 2026 NMRA National Train show. I managed to capture a few of those scenes.

[NEMMRRC]

In between busy cities there is plenty of woods. Some railroads supported enterprising efforts that benefited from these woods.

At the 2026 NMRA National Train Show, the world record setting T-Trak modular layout depicted some of the railroad action taking place in wooded areas. I'm not very good at the model trees thing. I need more practice.

[Philip]

Thanks for sharing Jaime!

Philip

[NEMMRRC]

Thanks for sharing Jaime!

Philip

It's my pleasure.

[S&S RR]

It sure is great to see Jaime making photographs at a train show and sharing them.  Thank you Jaime!  I wish I was there.

[Jerry]

That was well done.  A little bit of everything.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us.

Jerry

[NEMMRRC]

It sure is great to see Jaime making photographs at a train show and sharing them.  Thank you Jaime!  I wish I was there.

You'll have to come for the 2029 narrow gauge convention in Nashville. It's just down the road from me.  

[NEMMRRC]

That was well done.  A little bit of everything.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing with us.

Jerry

I'll have some more up soon. All these were just one modular layout. There were more layouts there.